11:12, 6 April 2015 By Sion BarryAndrew Sergent believes the airport is in good shape and welcomes the appointment of Roger Lewis as its next chairman

Non-executive of Cardiff Airport Sargent has stood down from the board after completing a two-year term.

He leaves after playing a key role in recent negotiations that has seen Flybe significantly expanding its routes at the airport – which is expected to add a further 400,000 new passengers over the next few years.

He was appointed to the board in 2013 following the acquisition of the airport by the Welsh Government for £52m, minus professional advisory fees, from Spanish firm Abertis.

Mr Sargent was appointed due to his expertise and strong track-record in change management and strategy in the airport sector.

He advised the Civil Aviation Authority on the introduction of NATS ( National Air Traffic Services), and later led the transformation programmes, post and pre-acquisition, at leading UK regional airports Bristol, Luton and Newcastle.

He said: “During the last two years I am proud to have been able to propose, initiate or influence a number of important enhancements to Cardiff’s operating strategy and structure.

“There are positive changes for all to see, not least of which are the improvements to customer service, operations, and the beginning of a long and much needed journey to reduce the cost base.

“All this must not only continue, but accelerate. However, I decided some weeks ago that two years was as much as I was prepared to give this and wrote to Welsh Government on March 30th to confirm that I did not wish my name to go forward for retention.”

Chief executive of the Welsh Rugby Union Roger Lewis has been confirmed as the next non-executive chairman of the Rhoose-based airport.

He will take over from Lord Rowe-Beddoe in November.

Mr Lewis will have a direct input into the appointment of a new chief executive of the airport as well any new board members. All board members see their two-year terms expire this year.

The other non executives are David Goldstone, Geraint Davies, Margaret Llewellyn and Philip Ashman.

Mr Sargent said: “I welcome the announcement that Roger Lewis will be the new chairman and wish him and the airport team well.

“What Cardiff needs now is a combination of sound investment, tough decisions and belief in a clear, focused future as an integral part of the Welsh aerospace industry.”

The airport, which currently handles just over one million passengers a year, is operated by a holding company at arms length from the Welsh Government.